Trauma Patient Assessment question

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EMTinCT

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Hello. I am taking the Trauma Patient Assessment for Basics in a few weeks and I have a question. If you have a patient who had trauma to one side of the body which results in broken ribs and a pneumothorax (let's say on the right side) which side do you roll the patient on when placing the longboard? One person says you'd do it on the right (injured) side cause you don't want to risk damaging the left side or compromise their breathing which they only have on the left side. Another person says you'd do it on the left (uninjured) side because it's only a brief roll and you don't want to further damage the right (damaged) side.

I see the merits of both arguments but I also want to pass the NREMT exam.

Thanks so much for any helps you may have to offer.
 
Anjel

Anjel

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You roll to the uninjured side.
 
Jim37F

Jim37F

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Let's say its YOU who has the broken ribs on your right side, now which side do you want the EMT's to roll you on while boarding you? I know I don't want to be rolled onto a bunch of fractures....
 
Pond Life

Pond Life

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hey it's a trick question isn't it - don't use an extrication board in trauma other than for that purpose
 
TransportJockey

TransportJockey

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Pond Life said:
hey it's a trick question isn't it - don't use an extrication board in trauma other than for that purpose
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Unfortunately training still says back board. The lowest common denominator of services still mandates it and EMS training (I can't bring myself to say EMS education) is right there with them
 
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EMTinCT

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I wish I knew enough to know why we wouldn't use the long board for trauma, but my question and the answers (I hope) will be specific to passing the test. I humbly ask that replies be specific to the question so as not to confuse what should be done for the test.

What side do you keep the patient on if you have to transport them on their side? Assume that there is a pole going in their right chest and out their back and their right lung is a pneumothorax and the pole makes it impossible to move the patient supine. Does this change the decision as to which side (injured vs uninjured) to transport the patient on? What about prolonged transportation times (>30 minutes)?
 
Anjel

Anjel

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Always keep the patient on their uninjured side if possible. It's uninjured. Rolling them onto it for transport is not going to cause damage.

If you have someone with a right pneumothorax they already aren't going to be able to breathe well. Placing them on that side is going to cause them extreme pain and possibly worsen their injury.

That's the answer. That's what was taught in every class I've ever taken.

What more do you want? Studies or proof?
 
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DesertMedic66

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Roll to the uninjured side. If you can only transport someone in one position, then you only have one option. Just remember KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid (not calling anyone stupid)
 
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EMTinCT

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Anjel said:
Always keep the patient on their uninjured side if possible. It's uninjured. Rolling them onto it for transport is not going to cause damage.

If you have someone with a right pneumothorax they already aren't going to be able to breathe well. Placing them on that side is going to cause them extreme pain and possibly worsen their injury.

That's the answer. That's what was taught in every class I've ever taken.

What more do you want? Studies or proof?
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
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Handsome Robb

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Have you ever broken ribs?

Have fun trying to roll a patient onto their broken ribs or transport them laying on that side.
 
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MedicGray

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I would say uninjured side. Don't log roll a pelvic fracture at all, they like to throw that one at ya.
 
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